Alexis Kramer crowned Ambassador of the Embro Fair

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One of the activities that the new Ambassador of the Embro Fair, Alexis Kramer, did as a child was to decorate her bike to ride in the Embro Fair Parade. Next year, she’ll be able to ride in a vintage convertible as the Ambassador in the Saturday morning event. On the morning after she captured the Ambassador competition on the Friday evening of last weekend’s fair, Alexis took time to admire a bicycle decorated by “Director” Michael Saunders in the theme of this year’s fair: “Lights, Camera, Ac

EMBRO — Is it the parade, the cattle show, the displays that make a fair a memorable experience? No — it is the people.

That was the message portrayed during the Embro Fair Ambassador competition by contestants Thomas Knoops (nominated by Brooksdale Women’s Institute), Alexis Kramer (Knox United Church Women) and Margaret Walton (Braemar Women’s Institute).

One famous quote — “it takes a village to raise a child” — was proven fact as one listened and pondered the prepared speeches given by the three contestants and the retiring ambassador (Mary Walton) at the competition, held on Friday, Sept. 13 at the Embro Community Centre. You were very proud of these four youths and that you had a small influence on their development.

It was no easy task for the judges — Drumbo resident Martin Mason, a beef farmer, member of the Cambridge Male Choir, and agent with Ayr Farmer Mutual Insurance; Thorndale resident and 2002 Thorndale Fair Ambassador Laura Langford, who has a background in agricultural business; and another Thorndale resident and Thames Valley District School Board Administrative assistant Teresa Walker, who was the 1982 Thorndale Fair Ambassador — to pick the winner.

The evening program was chaired by the talented and humorous Master of Ceremonies Elaine Northmore, who introduced past Fair Queens and Ambassadors in attendance.

Community Service Award Winner Warren MacKay officially opened the 155th Annual Embro Fair with lots of humour. The fair is hosted by the directors of Embro and Zorra Agricultural Society and community volunteers.

President Marie Scholl welcomed everyone to weekend fair.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Embro Dinner Theatre, a special “Ode to Dinner Theatre” was compiled and directed by Sue Garner and Joan Veldman, and produced by Deb Matheson. It was a look at life behind the stage of dinner theatre and the unsung heroes.

The actors who used their hidden talents to bring back memories of plays and what really happens in the kitchen were Ralph Flood, Hank Hazeleger, Peter Johnson, Andrew Norris, Elaine Northmore and Joan Veldman.

Before crowning the new 2013-14 Ambassador of the Fair, the current Ambassador highlighted her year of activities promoting the Embro Fair and agriculture. Attending the CNE competition for the Ambassador of the Fair was the most memorable experience. During the year, Walton says her leadership and public speaking skills developed and the whole experience was a great learning adventure.

Master of Ceremonies for the competition, Elaine Fleming, announced the new 2013-2014 Embro Fair Ambassador: Alexis Kramer, a fifth-year part-time student at Woodstock Collegiate Institute. She also works part-time at Sobey’s Woodstock, plays guitar and piano, and is involved in the Knox United Church youth group. She is past member of Girl Guides of Canada — 1st Embro, and past member of Brooksdale 4-H club.

A FAPPP (Friday After Play Practice Party) was held for everyone to enjoy the hospitality of Embro Fair Board of directors. It gave attendees a chance to get re-acquainted with their neighbours and friends.